Oral and maxillofacial anatomical structures acknowledgment through cone beam computed tomography images – a teaching practice experience

This study proposed to report a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) teaching methodology applied to Dental School students by assessing mid-term and end-term exams correct recognition of anatomical structures. Students were instructed on oral and maxillofacial anatomical structures and clinical applications of CBCT imaging through lectures and hands-on classes, comprising forty-five hours of classes. They were submitted to two tests, the first one at mid-term and the second one at end-term. Anatomical structures recognition test scores (three variables: 1) name, 2) side – left/right and 3) multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) orthogonal images identification) were compared to verify if learning improvement occurred. Medians and Wilcoxon tests compared mid with end term exams. Median values for variable 1 were 6.0 (mid-term) and 8.0 (end-term). With regard to variable 2, median values ranged from 9.0 (mid-term) to 10.0 (end-term). When variable 3 results were analyzed, both mid-term and end-term medians were 10.0. Wilcoxon test (p<0.05) showed significant differences when comparing mid-term and end-term exams in each of the three categories. Linear correlations were established among the three categories. Correlations were statistically significant for two associations (“anatomical structure name” with “anatomical structure side”, and “anatomical structure name” with “MPR images”). Predoctoral dental school students presented a comprehensive improvement in terms of correctly recognizing anatomical structures name and side, as well as MPR images when comparing mid-term and end-term tests.